What is a key activity required in the Personnel Risk Assessment Program?

The key activity required in the Personnel Risk Assessment Program is the verification of identity and criminal history checks. This is essential for ensuring that individuals who have access to critical infrastructure and sensitive operations meet the necessary security standards and do not pose a risk to the organization. By conducting these checks, organizations can assess an individual's background, identify any potential issues that could threaten security, and ensure that personnel are trustworthy. This process is a critical step in maintaining the integrity and safety of the workforce involved in critical infrastructure protection.

In this context, the other choices do not directly relate to the core requirement of the Personnel Risk Assessment Program. Regular performance reviews, while important for ongoing employee management, do not focus specifically on security risks. Annual cybersecurity certifications reflect an individual's current knowledge and skills but do not address their historical background. Patents and licensing verification may be relevant in certain professional fields but are not a standard part of assessing personnel risks concerning their criminal history or identity verification.